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Tuesday Tunes: Optimistic Defiance

My good friend, Rhonda and I are going to see Tom Petty in concert this weekend. So, I thought I’d share a couple of my favorite Tom Petty tunes as well as the answer to a question that was part of an award from a fellow blogger. A while ago, the joyful and effervescent Ritu of the blog, But I Smile Anyway, nominated me for the STARLIGHT Blogger Award. She asked, “Which song would you use as the soundtrack to your life?” Here’s my answer.

I don’t know if I could narrow it down to just one song. I’d probably choose a couple from the Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers album called, Anthology: Through the Years, namely: “Runnin’ Down a Dream” and “Learning to Fly.” I chose these songs, because they speak to me about the journey of life. I like how the metaphors of driving down a road, weather, and flying are used regarding life’s ups and downs as well as encompassing the lessons of faith and perseverance. I also really LOVE the note of optimistic defiance in the lyrics.

I think most of us can identify with the metaphor of life as a road in the song, “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” We start out on a sunny day, believing in our goals and dreams and that “anything is possible.” And, as we’re heading down the road of life, we run into those people or circumstances that are stumbling blocks rather than stepping stones. Then the “sky grows dark, the rain is unstoppable, and there’s no sunshine.” Things are difficult. What are you going to do? Pull over and give up or “put the pedal down,” having faith that “there’s something good waitin’ down this road.” To me, this song epitomizes perseverance:believing in yourself and your dreams and NEVER GIVING UP or GIVING IN to obstacles.

I also chose “Learning to Fly,” because I’ve always been a sensitive person. In the past, I’ve allowed negative people and circumstances to really bother and beat me down at times. I remember truly feeling despair regarding these situations.

Years ago, I remember Dad telling me, “You’re going to have to get some grit, girl! Pull yourself up by your boot straps. What are you going to do? Are you going to let this drag you down, or are you going to rise above it? It’s your decision.” Well, when you put it like that, I reckon I’m going to rise above it! All I have to say is there’s nothing like getting a little, no-nonsense pep talk from your Southern dad, whose hero was John Wayne, to set you to rights. 😉 All kidding aside, he was right. And, it’s some of the best advice I’ve ever gotten.

So, to me, “Learning to Fly” is about letting go of negative people and/or circumstances–-navigating those clouds, rising above it, and most importantly, persevering. It’s been an ongoing process, but I’m finally learning to fly.

This will be my first time seeing Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers in concert. Their music is definitely classic. They’re touring on the East coast this summer. We’re really looking forward to it! Thanks!

Awesome! I love Tom Petty. There’s a 2007 rockumentary / biography called “Runnin’ Down a Dream.” It goes into his roots, musical beginnings and the evolution of his music / band. He’s originally from FL but started his career in CA. Really cool film. According to him, Stevie Nicks wanted to join the band at some point. Have fun!

I think it’s especially difficult for us as women to stand up for ourselves, because we’re taught at a young age to be quiet, polite, and always put others first. Being a kind person is important–but not at the expense of our well-being and self-respect. I’m also just learning to do it….it’s an ongoing endeavor. Thanks so much, Judy. 💗 xo

I am new to your blog… and it was the Tom Petty post that caught my attention… You will have a blast! He’s a wonderful person. I went to college with his oldest daughter and long story short… he allowed me to have his seat (10th row i sat behind Destiny’s child) at the Grammys that year for the Wild Flowers album. He’s a humble soul and a hard working sincere musician and his daughters are fierce, creative and brilliant. I liked him before i met his daughter and she saw i had a picture on my dorm room wall of her dad… and he was so glad a “young person” liked his tunes. That was soooo long ago now. But all the same… he’s a true blue good man and his music is stellar. Have fun!!!!

Thank you for writing about his music the way you did! Your interpretations made me feel there’s sum universal goodness goin’ on. I’m pretty sure Tom would appreciate how you care/share and are inspired by it. 🙂
peace to u.

How was the concert, Tonya? 🎼🎤
Oh my goodness! I did enjoy the weekend but am all tuckered out.
The past days since my oldest daughter got married for her first time on 7/7/17 have been so exciting. She had placed a bid with her (at the time) fiance on a house. Their offer was accepted, we had yard sales at her apt. packed up their stuff and today, we finished taking everything over to their new home!
It is gray with white shutters and a bright yellow door. 🌞

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My name is Tonya, and I grew up on a 300-acre farm in rural Virginia that has been in my family for over 100 years. After graduating from college, receiving my master’s degree in speech and language pathology, and living and working in a small city for six years, I decided to return to the place of my childhood. Here, in this rural area, on this patch of green, where for four generations my family has farmed, gardened, and lived, I, too wanted to be a part of this continuity. As a fourth generation farmgirl, I have many interests that not only include, but also go beyond the basics of farming, gardening, sheep and chicken-keeping. It is all of this and more that I plan on sharing in this blog.